SEL appoints new president

PULLMAN — Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) Board of Directors named a new president, with Ed Schweitzer taking the title of Founder.

Assuming the role of President is former CEO Dave Whitehead. Taking the role of Executive Vice President is former Chief Business and Financial Officer Nestgard.

“Dave and Joey are already doing an excellent job leading SEL, and at this point, I want to be contributing more as a mentor, inventor, collaborator and teacher. Their promotions recognize their leaerdship and our teamwork,” said Schweitzer.

Schweitzer has set the strategic direction of SEL since founding it in 1984, contributing to the electric power industry as an engineer and inventor.

Whitehead joined as a hardware engineer in 1994 leadings its Research and Development division for more than a decade before taking on the roles of Chief Operating officer and then Chief Executive Officer.

“I am incredibly honored to be offered this role and thankful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had at SEL, especially getting to work closely with Ed,” Whitehead said. “I am grateful for his mentorship and friendship.”

Starting as a finance professional in 2002, Nestgard has take on responsibilities over the years including becoming Chief Business and Financial Officer in 2017 and transitioning to 100 percent employee-owned in 2009.

“Ed’s guidance and teaching have been invaluable to my growth and to the success of SEL,” Nestgard said. “I’ve learned more about business from Ed than I ever did from business school. His passion for innovation and his commitment to his employees, company and industry have set a high standard that inspires us all.

Schweitzer, Whitehead and Nestgard all received degrees from Washington State University.